Polyaxial bone anchoring device

ABSTRACT

A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element, the receiving part having a first end, a second end, a recess at the first end for receiving the rod, and a compressible head receiving portion at the second end for accommodating a head of the bone anchoring element, a pressure member positionable in the receiving part to exert pressure on the head, and a clamping ring positionable around the head receiving portion and movable towards the first end of the receiving part to a locking position where the clamping ring exerts force on and compresses the head receiving portion. In the locking position, at least part of the clamping ring that faces the first end of the receiving part is exposed to the outside to facilitate movement of the clamping ring away from the first end of the receiving part.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/576,961, filed Oct. 25, 2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, and claims priority from European Patent Application EP 17 198 406.5, filed Oct. 25, 2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a polyaxial bone anchoring device. More specifically, the bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element that has a head to be received in the receiving part, and further includes a clamping ring that is configured to lock and unlock the head in the receiving part, for example by using an instrument.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,608 describes a polyaxial orthopedic device for use with a rod implant apparatus including a screw having a curvate head and a coupling element. The coupling element has a tapered portion including a slotted interior chamber in which the curvate head is initially polyaxially disposed, a recess formed in its side for receiving the rod of the implant apparatus, and an exterior threading disposed on its upper portion for receiving thereon a top locking nut. A locking ring is disposed about the exterior of the lower portion of the coupling element and provides an inward force on the outwardly tapered portion upon downward translation thereof, thereby causing the interior chamber to crush lock the screw head therein.

US 2005/0096653 A1 describes a low-profile orthopedic device used to fix and stabilize bones to correct anomalies in skeletal structure. The device includes a bone screw and a clamp movably attached to the screw. The clamp includes a compression ring. A connecting rod connects several screws through slots in the clamps. In one embodiment a set screw is used for holding the rod and the clamp together. After the rod is passed through the clamp the compression ring is moved to the closed position locking the orientation of the rod and the screw.

US 2013/0085536 A1 describes a polyaxial bone anchoring device including a receiving part with a rod receiving portion and a head receiving portion for introducing and clamping of the head of a bone anchoring element, and a locking ring configured to be arranged around the head receiving portion. The locking ring includes an engagement structure for engagement with a tool to allow the locking ring to be moved out of the locking position, i.e., releasing the locking mechanism. This enables a surgeon or other practitioner to carry out revisions or further positioning or re-positioning of the angular position of the receiving part with respect to the bone anchoring element.

SUMMARY

In spinal surgery, often multiple segments of the spinal column have to be corrected and/or stabilized using a spinal rod and polyaxial bone anchors. During such a procedure, repeated adjustments of a bone anchoring element and the rod relative to a receiving part of a polyaxial bone anchoring device may become necessary.

It is an object of the invention to provide a polyaxial bone anchoring device that allows for improved handling during surgery.

According to an embodiment, the bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element, the receiving part having a first end, a second end, a central axis extending between the first end and the second end, a recess at the first end for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion at the second end for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the head receiving portion being at least partially flexible, a pressure member configured to exert pressure on an inserted head, and a clamping ring configured to be arranged around the head receiving portion, wherein a translation of the clamping ring towards the first end provides a force that causes the head receiving portion to be compressed.

According to another embodiment, the bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element, the receiving part having a first end, a second end, a central axis extending between the first end and the second end, a recess at the first end for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion at the second end for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the head receiving portion being at least partially flexible, and a clamping ring configured to be arranged around the head receiving portion, wherein a translation of the clamping ring towards the first end provides a force that causes the head receiving portion to be compressed, wherein by means of the recess two upstanding legs are formed, wherein the legs have a first portion and a second portion positioned between the second end of the receiving part and the first portion, and wherein the first portion is separable from the second portion.

According to embodiments of the invention, the bone anchoring element can be locked relative to the receiving part in an angular position and can be unlocked independently from the fixation of the rod.

The locking of the head is effected by moving the clamping ring upwards, i.e., towards the first end of the receiving part, and the releasing of the head is effected by moving the clamping ring downwards, i.e., towards the second end of the receiving part. Moving the clamping ring upwards for locking may have the clinical advantage of avoiding exertion of pressure onto the vertebrae when locking the head. Moreover, moving the clamping ring upwards for locking requires less space at the second or bottom end of the receiving part. Thereby, the second end of the receiving part can be placed closer to the bone surface.

When a pressure member is provided for exerting pressure onto the head, the clamping force may be distributed onto the head more effectively. Moreover, by locking the rod, pressure exerted by the rod onto the pressure member may further increase the locking force onto the head.

The separable first portion of the legs of the receiving part form extended tabs that allow convenient manipulation of the polyaxial bone anchoring device during surgery. Furthermore, the extended tabs may permit guiding and/or supplying elements of an implant or instruments to the implantation site. This is particularly useful in the case of minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

The locking and unlocking of the bone anchoring element during surgery can also be carried out with the rod being not yet inserted or being at an elevated position in the receiving part away from the bottom of the rod receiving recess.

An instrument for locking and unlocking the head via the clamping ring can be used when the rod and the fixation element are already inserted into the channel of the receiving part, but when the rod is not yet fixed. Thus, a temporary locking of the bone anchoring element in the receiving part can be effected with the instrument. When the head of the bone anchoring element is locked in the receiving part and the rod is still movable, it is possible to pull the bone anchoring device with an instrument towards the inserted rod and thereby also to pull the associated vertebrae towards the rod for correcting a position of the vertebrae. Therefore, the polyaxial bone anchoring device permits various adjustments and re-adjustments of the angular position and/or rod position during surgery.

The polyaxial bone anchoring device according to an embodiment permits insertion of the bone anchoring element first in the bone, and thereafter mounting the receiving part with the clamping ring onto the head of the bone anchoring element. Moreover, with a polyaxial bone anchoring device according to embodiments of the invention, a modular system can be provided that allows for combining of various anchoring elements with the receiving part on demand, depending on the actual clinical requirements. This reduces the overall costs of using polyaxial screws, reduces inventory, and gives the surgeon a wider or more versatile choice of implants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments by means of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a polyaxial bone anchoring device.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the polyaxial bone anchoring device of FIG. 1 in an assembled state.

FIG. 3 shows a further perspective view of the polyaxial bone anchoring device of FIG. 1 in an assembled state.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the polyaxial bone anchoring device of FIGS. 1 to 3, wherein the cross-section has been taken in a plane perpendicular to an axis of an inserted rod and extending through a center of a receiving part of the polyaxial bone anchoring device.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view from the top of the receiving part of the polyaxial bone anchoring device of FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view from the bottom of the receiving part of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the receiving part of FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the receiving part of FIGS. 5 to 7, the cross-section taken along line A-A in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view from the top of a clamping ring of the polyaxial bone anchoring device of FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view from the bottom of the clamping ring of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of the clamping ring of FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the clamping ring of FIGS. 9 to 11, the cross-section taken along line B-B in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view from the top of a pressure member of the polyaxial bone anchoring device of FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view from the bottom of the pressure member of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows a top view of the pressure member of FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the pressure member of FIGS. 13 to 15, the cross-section taken along line D-D in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 17a to 17d show cross-sectional views of steps of mounting the receiving part and the pressure member to an anchoring element.

FIG. 18a shows a cross-sectional view of the polyaxial bone anchoring device, wherein the clamping ring assumes a locking position.

FIG. 18b shows an enlarged view of a detail of FIG. 18 a.

FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the polyaxial bone anchoring device with an inserted rod and a locking member, wherein the rod and the head are locked.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the polyaxial bone anchoring device with an inserted rod and the locking member, wherein the rod is at an elevated position in the rod receiving recess and not fixed.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the polyaxial bone anchoring device of FIG. 20 with an inserted rod and the locking member, wherein the rod is movable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a bone anchoring device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a bone anchoring element 1 in the form of, for example, a bone screw having a shank 2 with a threaded portion and a head 3 with a spherically-shaped outer surface portion. The head 3 may have a recess 4 for engagement with a driver or tool. The bone anchoring device also includes a receiving part 5 for receiving a rod 6 to be connected to the bone anchoring element 1. Further, a pressure member 7 may be provided in the receiving part 5 for exerting pressure onto the head 3 of the bone anchoring element 1. In addition, the bone anchoring device includes a clamping ring 8 that is mountable to the receiving part 5 for compressing a portion of the receiving part 5 to exert pressure onto the pressure member 7 and in turn onto the head 3. Lastly, the bone anchoring element also includes a fixation element 9 in the form of, for example, an inner screw or set screw for fixing the rod 6 in the receiving part 5.

The receiving part 5 will be described in greater detail, referring additionally to FIGS. 5 to 8. The receiving part 5 includes a first end 5 a and an opposite second end 5 b and a central axis C that passes through the first end 5 a and the second end 5 b. A passage 51 extends through the receiving part 5 from the first end 5 a to the second end 5 b. The passage 51 may be formed as a coaxial bore 51 a in a region from the first end 5 a to a distance from the first end 5 a. Moreover, the passage 51 may widen into an accommodation space 51 b with a maximum inner diameter that is greater than a maximum inner diameter of the coaxial bore 51 a. The accommodation space 51 b serves for accommodating the head 3 of the bone anchoring element 1 and at least a portion of the pressure member 7. At or close to the second end 5 b, the accommodation space 51 b narrows in a narrowing portion 51 c towards the second end 5 b. The narrowing portion 51 c can be tapered, more specifically conically tapered, or can narrow in another shape.

A recess 52 that may be substantially U-shaped extends form the first end 5 a in the direction of the second end 5 b, wherein a width of the recess 52 is slightly larger than a diameter of the rod 6, such that the rod 6 can be placed in the recess 52 and can be guided therein. Hence, the recess 52 forms a channel for the rod 6. By means of the recess 52, two free legs 52 a 52 b are formed, on which an internal thread 53 may be provided. The internal thread 53 can be, for example, a metric thread, a flat thread, a negative angle-thread, a saw-tooth thread, or any other thread form. Preferably, a thread form such as a flat thread or a negative angle thread is used to prevent or reduce splaying of the legs 52 a, 52 b when the fixation element 9 is screwed-in.

At a distance from the first end 5 a, a break-away or break-off portion in the form of a circumferential groove 5 c is provided that permits breaking off of a portion of the legs 52 a, 52 b above the groove 5 c. The groove divides the legs 52 a, 52 b into a first or upper portion 520 a, 520 b extending above the groove 5 c and a second or lower portion 521 a, 521 b extending below the groove 5 c to a base of the recess 52. At the groove 5 c, a wall thickness of the legs 52 a, 52 b may be reduced in such a manner that the upper portion 520 a, 520 b of the legs may be broken away from the lower portion 521 a, 521 b. Hence the upper portions 520 a, 520 b, respectively, form extended tabs. Any other means for permitting breaking-away the upper portions 520 a, 520 b from the lower portions 521 a, 521 b may be contemplated, such as, for example, perforations, etc. The groove 5 c may have downwardly inclined upper and/or lower walls 5 c′ that may provide safe engagement with a tool.

The internal thread 53 is provided along at least a portion of the upper portion 520 a, 520 b and of the lower portion 521 a, 521 b of the legs 52 a, 52 b so that the fixation element 9 can be screwed down along the pathway defined by the bore 51 a. The depth of the recess 52 is such that when the rod 6 is placed into the recess 52 and the fixation element 9 is screwed between the legs 52 a, 52 b, the fixation element 9 does not substantially protrude out the receiving part 5 when the upper portion 520 a, 520 b of the legs have been broken off. The extended tabs provided by the upper portion 520 a, 520 b of the legs can be used to define a pathway, for example in MIS, to guide an implant component, for example the rod 6 or the fixation element 9 to the bone anchor 1 at the implantation site beneath the skin of the patient.

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 4 and 8, on the inner wall of the passage 51 two stops are provided for the pressure member 7. A first stop is formed by an upper wall of a first circumferential groove 59 a located below the thread 53. The first stop prevents upward movement of the pressure member 7 when the head 3 is inserted. A second stop is formed by a second circumferential groove 59 b located at a distance from the first groove 59 a in direction toward the lower end 5 b. The second stop prevents upward movement of the pressure member 7 when the pressure member 7 is in a lower position, notably a pre-locking position as described in more detail below. Additionally, an undercut 59 c may be provided at the lower end of the internal thread 53.

An upper part 50 of the receiving part 5, which includes the legs 52 a, 52 b, forms a rod receiving portion of the receiving part 5. Furthermore, in the wall of the receiving part 5, more specifically, in the wall of the upper part 50, at least one, preferably two holes 500 a, 500 b may be provided that may serve for inserting securing members, such as pins 501 a, 501 b to engage the pressure member 7. The holes 500 a, 500 b may be provided at substantially 90° from the rod receiving recess 52 and opposite to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the recess 52.

The upper part 50 has a substantially cylindrical outer surface. An engagement structure for engagement with the instrument is provided at the outer surface, wherein the engagement structure may be formed by circumferential ribs 54 a, 54 b. In the embodiment shown, on each leg 52 a, 52 b there is one rib 54 a, 54 b, respectively. The ribs 54 a, 54 b are positioned between the groove 5 c and a lower end 50 a of the upper part 50. Each of the ribs 54 a, 54 b extends over a segment of the circumference of the upper part 50, for example, for approximately a quarter circle or less than a quarter circle (see, e.g., FIGS. 5 and 7). The arrangement is such that one end of each rib 54 a, 54 b is positioned at the recess 52 and the other end of each rib extends approximately to the middle of each leg 52 a, 52 b. Hence, in a circumferential direction, there is a rib-free surface portion 55 a, 55 b on the outer surface of each leg 52 a, 52 b, respectively. Furthermore, the ribs 54 a, 54 b are arranged in an asymmetric manner with respect to a plane extending through the central axis C and a longitudinal axis of the recess 52. More specifically, the position of the ribs 54 a, 54 b is offset by 180° measured in relation to the central axis C and is rotated with respect to the central axis C, such that the rib 54 a of the leg 52 a extends to the rod receiving recess 52 at one side of the receiving part 5 and the rib 54 b extends to the rod receiving recess 52 at the other side of the receiving part 5. This permits an instrument to be placed first onto the rib-free portions 55 a, 55 b and then to be rotated to engage the ribs 54 a, 54 b. The ribs 54 a, 54 b may have a substantially rectangular cross-section and may have beveled end portions in the circumferential direction. It shall be understood that the number of ribs on each leg 54 a, 54 b is not limited to one single rib, but more than one rib on each leg 52 a, 52 b may be present, for example, in an axial direction. Also the shape of the ribs may be different in other embodiments. Instead of ribs or in addition to the ribs, grooves or other engagement structures may be provided.

The ribs are close to an upper end of the receiving part when the upper portions 520 a, 520 b of the legs 52 a, 52 b have been broken off. This allows the bone anchoring device to be engaged by an instrument at a position remote from the bone surface, which avoids damages to the body tissue.

The outer surface of the receiving part 5 also includes substantially flat or planar recessed portions 56 a, 56 b. The recessed portions 56 a, 56 b are positioned at the upper part 50 in a circumferential position that corresponds to the circumferentially extending ribs 54 a, 54 b and extend from an edge 50 a at a bottom end of upper part 50 in a direction parallel to the central axis C up to a predetermined distance from the ribs 54 a, 54 b. The purpose of the recessed portions 56 a, 56 b may be to provide a guiding surface for upwardly projecting arms of the clamping ring 8, as will be detailed below. The recessed portions 56 a, 56 b need not have a planar flat surface recessed from a cylindrical outer contour of the receiving part 5 as in the embodiment, but may also be rounded and/or provided with side walls or can have any shape that is adapted to permit a guiding engagement with the arms of the clamping ring 8.

Between the upper part 50 and the second end 5 b of the receiving part, a head receiving portion 57 of the receiving part 5 is provided that includes the accommodation space 51 b. An outer surface portion, preferably the entire outer surface, of the head receiving portion 57 is substantially conically-shaped and tapers and narrows towards the second end 5 b of the receiving part 5. A largest outer width of the head receiving portion is smaller than a width of the receiving part 5 at the lower end 50 a of the upper part 50, so that the lower end 50 a forms a shoulder.

The head receiving portion 57 is flexible. In particular, it is compressible upon action of a force that is directed towards the central axis C. In the embodiment shown, the head receiving portion 57 includes a plurality of flexible wall sections 57 b that are separated by slits 58 extending in a longitudinal direction and being open towards the second end 5 b. The number and size of the slits 58 is selected depending on the desired flexibility of the head receiving portion 57. An inner diameter of the passage 51 at the second end 5 b is such that the head 3 can be inserted from the second end 5 b.

The clamping ring 8 will be described in greater detail, referring additionally to FIGS. 9 to 12.

The clamping ring 8 has an upper end or first end 8 a and an opposite lower end or second end 8 b, and may have a substantially spherical outer surface 81 which narrows towards the second end 8 b. The outer diameter of the spherical surface 81 at or adjacent to the first end 8 a may be such that when the clamping ring 8 is mounted around the head receiving portion 57 of the receiving part 5, the outer spherical surface 81 of the clamping ring and the outer cylindrical surface of the upper part 50 of the receiving part 5 are flush with each other as depicted, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 3. An inner diameter of the clamping ring 8 is such that the clamping ring 8 can be mounted around the head receiving portion 57, wherein the upper end 8 a faces towards the bottom end or edge 50 a of the upper part 50 of the receiving part 5. It shall be noted, however, that the shape of the outer surface of clamping ring 8 may be different in other embodiments. For example, the outer surface 81 may have a cylindrical shape or another shape.

As can be seen, in particular in FIG. 12, clamping ring 8 further has a first inner cylindrical surface portion 82 that is adjacent or substantially adjacent to the upper end 8 a. Adjacent to or substantially adjacent to the lower end 8 b, a second inner surface portion 87 of the clamping ring 8 may be tapered in such a manner that the inner diameter conically narrows towards the lower end 8 b. The second inner surface portion 87 is configured to cooperate with the outer surface portion 57 a of the head receiving portion of the receiving part. Preferably, the cone angle of the conical outer surface portion 57 a corresponds to the cone angle of the conical inner surface portion 87 of the clamping ring. The cone angle may be selected such that self-locking may occur at least in a certain position of the clamping ring 8 when the clamping ring 8 is around the head receiving portion 57. The shape of the engaging surfaces of the head receiving portion 57 and the clamping ring 8 are such that when the clamping ring 8 is moved upwards on the head receiving portion 57, i.e., towards the upper end 5 a of the receiving part, the cooperating surfaces 57 a of the head receiving portion 57 and 87 of the clamping ring 8 exert an increasing inwardly directed radial force.

The clamping ring 8 further includes two upwardly projecting arms 83 a, 83 b extending from the first end 8 a. The length of arms 83 a, 83 b substantially corresponds to a length of recessed portions 56 a, 56 b of the upper part 50 of the receiving part 5, which are arranged to slidably receive the arms 83 a, 83 b when the clamping ring 8 is attached to the receiving part, as shown, for example in FIG. 2. Similarly, the width of arms 83 a, 83 b substantially corresponds to that of recessed portions 56 a, 56 b. The two arms 83 a, 83 b are located diametrically opposite to each other.

Moreover, a height of the clamping ring 8 in an axial direction between the upper end 8 a and the lower end 8 b corresponds substantially to a height of the head receiving portion 57 of the receiving part 5, as shown, for example in FIG. 4.

Each of the upwardly projecting arms 83 a, 83 b includes an engagement structure for engagement with an instrument on its outer surface. The engagement structure may be formed at or close to a free end portion of the respective arm. In this embodiment, the engagement structure is provided as circumferentially extending notches or grooves 88 a, 88 b. As the engagement structure is provided at or close to a free end of the arms 83 a, 83 b, the engagement structure of the clamping ring 8 as well as the engagement structure of the receiving part 5 are located close to each other and away from the bone surface when the polyaxial bone anchoring device is in an assembled state in-situ. This arrangement requires less space within the body tissue for an instrument. A length of the engagement structures, e.g., the notches 88 a, 88 b, in a circumferential direction is limited to the width of the arms 83 a, 83 b and substantially corresponds to that of the engagement structures of the receiving part, i.e., the circumferential ribs 54 a, 54 b.

The arms 83 a, 83 b have such a length, that they fit into the recessed portions 56 a, 56 b, when the clamping ring is mounted around the head receiving portion 57. Preferably the free ends of the arms 83 a, 83 b do not abut against the lower side of the ribs 54 a, 54 b in any axial position of the clamping ring 8 so that the clamping ring 8 is freely movable in an axial direction between a lowermost position and an uppermost position and vice versa. The shape of the notches 88 a, 88 b can include a rectangular cross-section, a dovetail shape, or any other shape.

The pressure member 7 will be described in greater detail by referring additionally to FIGS. 13 to 16. The pressure member 7 includes an upper or first portion 71 with an upper end 7 a and a lower or second portion 72 with a lower end 7 b. The second portion 72 has a hollow interior 73 that may be substantially spherically-shaped to clamp the spherical head 3 therein. The flexible portion 72 is open at the second end 7 b. A plurality of slits 74 extend from the lower end 7 b through the second portion 72. The number and dimensions of the slits 74 are such that the wall of the second portion 72 is flexible enough to snap onto the head 3 when the head 3 is being inserted. An outer surface portion 75 adjacent to the lower end 7 b of the pressure member 7 may be tapered, in particular conically tapered. The outer surface portion 75 is configured to cooperate with the inner surface portion 51 c of the receiving part that is provided adjacent to the lower end 5 b of the receiving part 5. It shall be understood that the outer surface portion 75 may narrow in another manner towards the lower end 7 b. Another outer surface portion 76 of the second portion 72 of the pressure member 7 may be spherical segment-shaped as shown in the embodiment, so that the second portion is cap-like. It shall be noted that the outer surface can have any other shape, such as tapered or cylindrical or combinations of tapered, cylindrical, and spherical.

The first portion 71 of the pressure member 7 may have a substantially cylindrical outer surface 77 adjacent to the second portion 72. In the embodiment shown, the second portion 72 is recessed with respect to the cylindrical portion 77, however, any other shape may be possible. A rod support surface 78 may be provided in the first portion 71 that is configured to support an inserted rod 6. The rod support surface 78 may have a V-shaped cross-section in a direction transverse to the central axis C of the receiving part when the pressure member is in the receiving part, to permit support of rods of different diameters, but also can be flat or cylindrically or otherwise shaped.

The longitudinal axis of the rod support surface 78 extends transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the central axis C. To the left and to the right of the rod support surface 78 upstanding legs 79 a, 79 b are formed that have a substantially flat inner surface and a substantially cylindrical outer surface. The axial location of the rod support surface 78 in the direction of the central axis C may be closer to the free ends of the upstanding legs 79 a, 79 b than to their base, or half-way in-between. The upstanding legs 79 a, 79 b have outwardly directed portions 700 a, 700 b at their free ends, respectively. The outwardly directed portions 700 a, 700 b are configured to engage the groove 59 a when the pressure member is in an insertion position. Between the rod support surface 78 and the upstanding legs 79 a, 79 b grooves 701 a, 701 b extending parallel to the rod support surface 78 are formed that render the legs 79 a, 79 b more flexible. The grooves 701 a, 701 b may have a circular segment-shaped cross-section. At the center of the upstanding legs 79 a, 79 b, axially elongated through-holes 702 a, 702 b may be provided, the longitudinal axes of which are parallel to the central axis C. The through-holes 702 a, 702 b may be adapted to be engaged by the pins 501 a, 501 b or other holding means to hold the pressure member 7 inside the receiving part 5, preferably to secure the pressure member 7 against rotation. To allow access to the head 3 with a driver or tool, a coaxial bore 702 may also be provided in the pressure member 7.

The dimensions of the pressure member 7 are such that the second portion 72 can expand in the accommodation space 51 b when the head 3 of the bone anchoring element 1 is inserted. An outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 77 is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the passage 51 in the upper part 50 of the receiving part 5 such that the pressure member 7 can slide therein. The pressure member 7 may be insertable from the upper end 5 a of the receiving part, whereby during insertion the flexible second portion 72 and the upstanding legs 79 a, 79 b may be slightly compressed towards each other until the second portion 72 is arranged in the accommodation space 51 b and the outwardly directed portions 700 a, 700 b engage the groove 59 a.

The receiving part 5, the pressure member 7, the clamping ring 8, and the bone anchoring element 1, as well as the rod 6, may each be made of bio-compatible materials, for example of titanium or stainless steel, of a bio-compatible alloy, such as NiTi-alloys, for example Nitinol, of magnesium or magnesium alloys, or from a bio-compatible plastic material, such as, for example, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or poly-l-lactide acid (PLLA). In addition, the parts can be made of the same as or of different materials from one another.

Turning now to FIGS. 17a to 17d , the use of the polyaxial bone anchoring device will be explained. First, as illustrated in FIG. 17a , the bone anchoring element 1 may be already inserted into a bone 1000 before the receiving part 5 with the pressure member 7 and the clamping ring 8 is mounted thereon. The receiving part 5 with the pressure member 7 and the clamping ring 8 may be preassembled and the pressure member 7 is secured in the receiving part 5 by the pins 501 a, 501 b extending through the elongate through-holes 702 a, 702 b. As shown, the pressure member 7 is in an insertion position in which the outwardly directed end portions 700 a, 700 b of the legs 79 a, 79 b extend into the first groove 59 a. The clamping ring 8 is in a lower position in which it does not or does only to a small extent exert a compression force onto the head receiving portion 57. The arms 83 a, 83 b of the clamping ring engage the recessed portions 56 a, 56 b of the receiving part 5.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17b , the receiving part 5 is mounted onto the head 3 of the bone anchoring element 1. The head 3 enters the accommodation space through the opening at the second end 5 b of the receiving part 5. In this step, the pressure member 7 is moved upwards by the head until the outwardly directed end portions 700 a, 700 b of the legs 79 a, 79 b abut against the first stop provided by the upper wall of the first groove 59 a

As illustrated in FIG. 17c , the head 3 then enters the hollow interior 73 of the pressure member 7. The flexible wall of the second portion 72 of the pressure member 7 snaps over the head so that the second portion 72 encompasses the head 3 laterally. The second portion 72 of the pressure member 7 extends substantially into the accommodation space 51 b.

Finally, as depicted in FIG. 17d , the receiving part 5 is pulled upwards with respect to the bone anchoring element 1 and the pressure member 7. Thereby, the outwardly directed portions 700 a, 700 b of the legs 79 a, 79 b snap into the second groove 59 b. At the same time, the head 3 and the pressure member 7 are pulled into the narrowing portion 51 c of the receiving part. By means of this, the head 3 can be clamped by friction. As the head 3 is not locked, the head 3 can still be pivoted in the receiving part 5 by overcoming the frictional force. Depending on the strength of the frictional force, the receiving part 5 may be temporarily held in a specific angular position relative to the bone anchoring element 1. At the same time, the head 3 is prevented from being pulled out of the receiving part 5. Thus, the head 3 is in a pre-locking condition relative to the receiving part 5. The pressure member 7 is prevented from moving upwards by the upper wall of the second groove 59 b.

It shall be noted, that the bone anchoring device according to this embodiment can also be used in a pre-assembled manner in which the bone anchoring element 1 is already coupled to the receiving part 5 before it is inserted into the bone.

Referring to FIGS. 18a to 19, locking of the head 3 and of the entire bone anchoring device will be described. As shown in FIGS. 18a and 18b , the head 3 may be locked in the receiving part without the presence of an inserted rod 6 and also without a fixation member 9. To achieve this, the clamping ring is pulled upwards as indicated by the arrows. This can be carried out using an instrument (not shown) that engages the clamping ring 8. Such an instrument may engage, for example, the engagement structure in the form of the ribs 54 a, 54 b at the receiving part 5 and the engagement structure in the form of the notches 88 a, 88 b at the clamping ring 8, and displace the clamping ring 8 relative to the receiving part 5. When the clamping ring is pulled upwards, i.e., towards the first end 5 a of the receiving part 5, the engagement of the outer tapered surface portion 57 a of the head receiving portion 57 of the receiving part 5 and the inner tapered surface portion 87 of the clamping ring 8 increases. The radial force exerted onto the head receiving portion 57 results in a compression of the head receiving portion 57. This in turn results in increased pressure exerted onto the pressure member 7 and the head 3 accommodated therein. When the clamping ring is in its uppermost position, the head 3 is locked. The locking of the head 3 is independent of the presence and/or position of an inserted rod.

The clamping ring 8 may be held in this locking position by self-locking between the engaging conical surfaces. In this case, the clamping ring 8 can be moved out of the locking position only by applying a force greater than the friction force that causes the self-locking, e.g., by using an instrument. Instead or additionally, a holding feature may be provided that holds the clamping ring in the locking position, such as a spring element that removably engages a recess or any other detachable connection between the clamping ring 8 and the receiving part 5.

Finally, as depicted in FIG. 19, when the rod 6 and the fixation element 9 have been inserted, the fixation element 9 is tightened to fix the rod 6. As the rod 6 is supported by the rod support surface 78 of the pressure member 7, tightening of the fixation element 9 in turn presses the pressure member 7 downward against the lower portion 51 c of the accommodation space 51 b, whereby the locking of the head 3 is further increased and thus the entire device is locked.

In an exemplary surgical operation, first at least two bone anchoring elements 1 are anchored, for example in two adjacent vertebrae. Then the receiving parts 5 are mounted thereon. Once a correct angular position of the head 3 and a correct position of the receiving part 5 relative to the rod 6 has been found, the fixation element 9 is tightened. Repositioning of the rod 6 is possible without loosening the locking of the head 3. With the upper portions 520 a, 520 b of the legs, it is possible to perform correction steps of the rod position and/or the angular position of the head 3 when the rod is at an elevated position in the recess 52.

A further embodiment of a bone anchoring device is shown with respect to FIGS. 20 and 21. The embodiment according to FIGS. 20 and 21 differs from the previous embodiment in the design of the receiving part and the clamping ring. Furthermore, this embodiment does not include a pressure member. All other parts are the same or similar to the previously described embodiment, and are indicated with the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiment, and the descriptions thereof will not be repeated. The receiving part 5′ includes an upper part 50′ and a head receiving portion 57′. A passage 51′ extends from the first end 5 a to the second end 5 b. The passage 51′ has a first coaxial bore 51 a′ that extends from the first end 5 a to a distance therefrom and an accommodation space 51 b′ that extends from the second end 5 b to a distance therefrom. The accommodation space 51 b′ may be spherically-shaped and sized to accommodate and hold the spherical head 3 by means of friction. Between the accommodation space 51 b′ and the first coaxial bore 51 a′, a second coaxial bore 51 d′ may be provided that has a smaller diameter than the first coaxial bore 51 a′. This may prevent the inserted head 3 from moving upwards. Slits 58′ may be provided in the wall of the accommodation space 51 b′ to render the head receiving portion 57′ flexible. The slits may extend into the region of the second coaxial bore 51 d′. An outer surface portion of the head receiving portion 57′ may be conically tapering and narrowing towards the second end 5 b.

The clamping ring 8′ has on each side of the arms 83 a, 83 b upstanding flexible wall portions 85 with teeth 85 a on their free ends that are configured to engage a groove 590 at the receiving part 5′ to hold the clamping ring 8′ in the locking position. The flexible wall portions 85 are spaced apart from each other in a region offset from the arms 83 a, 83 b to permit inserting the rod 6 therebetween.

The bone anchoring element 1 is used in a pre-assembled state in which the head 3 has been inserted into the head receiving portion 57′ and the clamping ring 8′ has been mounted around the head receiving portion 57′. In this state the head 3 is only clamped, not locked and the angular position of the head 3 is adjustable. The rod 6 and the fixation element 9 may be at an elevated position in the recess 52 or may not yet be inserted when the angular position of the head 3 is adjusted. Once the correct angular position of the head 3 has been found, the clamping ring 8′ is moved upwards (e.g., using an instrument which is not shown) to compress the head receiving portion 57′ due to the inwardly directed force that results from the engagement of the two conical surfaces 57 a, 87 of the head receiving portion 57′ and the clamping ring 8′, respectively, to lock the head 3 in the accommodation space 51 b′. The rod is fixed by tightening the fixation element 9.

Further modifications can also be contemplated. The outer surface of the head receiving portion and the inner surface of the clamping ring need not to be tapered, in particular need not to be conically tapered but can also have other shapes wherein the engagement of the two surfaces results in a compression of the head receiving portion by the clamping ring when the clamping ring is moved upwards. More specifically, the shapes of the engaging surfaces need not to be matching shapes. For example, the inner surface of the clamping ring that engages the outer surface of the head receiving portion may also be cylindrical. Also, the clamping ring can have various other designs.

Other engagement structures on the receiving part and/or the clamping ring may also be contemplated that provide a form-fit connection between an instrument and the receiving part or the clamping ring. In some embodiments, the engagement structures may also be provided on only one side of the receiving part and on one side of the clamping ring. The position of the engagement structure may be different in any direction from that shown in the embodiments above.

The bone anchoring device according to other embodiments of the invention can be provided in further modified forms. For example, the head of the bone anchoring element can have any other shape, such as, for example, a cylindrical shape or a spherical shape with flattened sides wherein a monoplanar device is provided that allows pivoting of the anchoring element in a single plane. The head can also be conically shaped or otherwise shaped, with the internal hollow section of the head receiving portion adapted to the specific shape. In a further modification, the flexibility of the head receiving portion may be based on or facilitated by properties of the material, for example, a plastic material may be used, and the slits in the head receiving portion may be fully or partly omitted.

In the pressure member, the upstanding legs may be omitted. Other structures may be provided that prevent the pressure member from escaping during insertion of the head. The pressure member may also be shaped such that it can be inserted from the lower end of the receiving part.

In some embodiments, the head receiving portion can have an inclined open end or can be otherwise asymmetric to allow for a greater angulation of an inserted head in one direction.

The extended tabs on the receiving part can be omitted.

In addition, in some embodiments, other kinds of fixation elements can also be used, for example, non-threaded locking elements that have an alternative advancement structure. In addition, all kinds of bone anchoring devices can be used, such as, for example, nails or bone anchors with barbs.

While the present invention has been described in connection with certain exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is instead intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, and equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bone anchoring device comprising: a bone anchoring element comprising a head and a shank for anchoring in a bone or a vertebra; a receiving part for coupling a rod to the bone anchoring element, the receiving part having a first end, a second end, a recess at the first end for receiving the rod, and a compressible head receiving portion at the second end for accommodating the head of the bone anchoring element; a pressure member positionable in the receiving part to exert pressure on the head; and a clamping ring positionable around the head receiving portion and movable towards the first end of the receiving part to a locking position where the clamping ring exerts a force on the head receiving portion to compress the head receiving portion, wherein when the clamping ring is around the head receiving portion at a position different from the locking position, the head is insertable through the second end of the receiving part into the head receiving portion.
 2. The bone anchoring device of claim 1, further comprising a fixation element comprising an upwardly facing surface configured to cooperate with the receiving part to lock the rod in the recess.
 3. The bone anchoring device of claim 2, further comprising the rod.
 4. The bone anchoring device of claim 3, wherein when the fixation element is tightened to fix the rod in the recess, the rod exerts a force on the pressure member.
 5. The bone anchoring device of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the head receiving portion is tapered and narrows towards the second end of the receiving part.
 6. The bone anchoring device of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the clamping ring is tapered and narrows towards the second end of the receiving part when the clamping ring is around the head receiving portion.
 7. The bone anchoring device of claim 1, wherein in the locking position the clamping ring and the head receiving portion are frictionally engaged in a self-locking manner.
 8. The bone anchoring device of claim 1, wherein when the head is in the head receiving portion and the clamping ring is around the head receiving portion at the locking position, the clamping ring exerts the force on the head receiving portion to lock an angular position of the head relative to the receiving part, and wherein the clamping ring is movable from the locking position away from the first end of the receiving part to a non-locking position where a force exerted by the clamping ring on the head receiving portion is reduced or removed to permit the head to pivot relative to the receiving part.
 9. The bone anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the pressure member is configured to surround a portion of the head including a greatest diameter of the head, such that when the head receiving portion is compressed with the clamping ring, the pressure member exerts pressure on the head.
 10. The bone anchoring device of claim 1, wherein when the head is in the head receiving portion, the head is lockable relative to the receiving part when the clamping ring is at the locking position and while the recess for the rod remains sufficiently unobstructed for the rod to extend and move therethrough.
 11. The bone anchoring device of claim 1, wherein when the head is in the head receiving portion, the pressure member is movable to an axial position where at least part of the pressure member extends into a compressible region of the head receiving portion.
 12. The bone anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the clamping ring exerts a greatest force on the head receiving portion when the clamping ring is at an uppermost axial position closest to the first end of the receiving part.
 13. The bone anchoring device of claim 1, wherein when the clamping ring is at the locking position, the receiving part does not have a surface that extends perpendicular to a central axis of the receiving part near the second end that prevents the clamping ring from moving from the locking position away from the first end of the receiving part.
 14. The bone anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the clamping ring comprises an engagement surface configured to be engaged by an instrument to move the clamping ring in an axial direction relative to the receiving part.
 15. The bone anchoring device of claim 14, wherein the clamping ring further comprises two arms that are each configured to engage a respective guiding surface of the receiving part, and wherein when the clamping ring is around the head receiving portion, the arms are configured to be circumferentially aligned with an instrument engagement surface provided on the receiving part.
 16. The bone anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the recess forms two upstanding legs, wherein each of the legs comprises a first portion and a second portion positioned between the second end of the receiving part and the first portion, and wherein the first portion is separable from the second portion.
 17. The bone anchoring device of claim 1, wherein in the locking position, at least part of the clamping ring that faces the first end of the receiving part is exposed to the outside to facilitate movement of the clamping ring away from the first end of the receiving part.
 18. A bone anchoring device comprising: a bone anchoring element comprising a head and a shank for anchoring in a bone or a vertebra; a receiving part for coupling a rod to the bone anchoring element, the receiving part having a first end, a second end, a rod receiving portion defining a recess at the first end for receiving the rod and having a downwardly facing engagement surface configured to engage an upwardly facing surface of a separate fixation element for locking the rod in the recess, and a compressible head receiving portion at the second end for accommodating the head of the bone anchoring element; and a clamping ring positionable around the head receiving portion; wherein when the head is in the head receiving portion and the clamping ring is around the head receiving portion, the clamping ring is movable towards the first end of the receiving part to a locking position where the clamping ring exerts a force on the head receiving portion to compress the head receiving portion and lock an angular position of the bone anchoring element relative to the receiving part while the recess for the rod remains sufficiently unobstructed for the rod to extend and move therethrough, and wherein the force exerted by the clamping ring on the head receiving portion is the greatest when the clamping ring is at an uppermost axial position closest to the first end of the receiving part.
 19. The bone anchoring device of claim 18, further comprising the rod, wherein when the head is in the head receiving portion, the clamping ring is around the head receiving portion, and the rod is in the recess of the rod receiving portion, the clamping ring is movable to the locking position independent from a locking of the rod relative to the receiving part, such that the angular position of the bone anchoring element relative to the receiving part is lockable while the rod remains movable in the recess.
 20. The bone anchoring device of claim 18, wherein when the clamping ring is around the head receiving portion at a position different from the locking position, the head is insertable through the second end of the receiving part into the head receiving portion.
 21. A bone anchoring device comprising: a bone anchoring element comprising a head and a shank for anchoring in a bone or a vertebra; a receiving part for coupling a rod to the bone anchoring element, the receiving part having a first end, a second end, a rod receiving portion comprising two legs defining a recess at the first end for receiving the rod, and a head receiving portion at the second end for accommodating the head of the bone anchoring element; and a clamping ring positionable around the head receiving portion; wherein when the head is in the head receiving portion and the clamping ring is around the head receiving portion, the clamping ring is movable towards the first end of the receiving part to a locking position where an angular position of the bone anchoring element is locked relative to the receiving part, while the recess for the rod remains sufficiently unobstructed for the rod to extend and move therethrough; wherein when the clamping ring is around the head receiving portion at a position different from the locking position, the head is insertable through the second end of the receiving part into the head receiving portion; and wherein each of the legs of the rod receiving portion comprises a first portion and a second portion that is positioned between the first portion and the second end of the receiving part, and wherein the first portion is separable from the second portion.
 22. The bone anchoring device of claim 21, wherein the clamping ring exerts a greatest force on the head receiving portion to lock the angular position of the bone anchoring element relative to the receiving part when the clamping ring is at an uppermost axial position closest to the first end of the receiving part.
 23. A method for connecting a rod to a bone or a vertebra via a bone anchoring device comprising a bone anchoring element comprising a head and a shank for anchoring in the bone or vertebra, a receiving part for coupling the rod to the bone anchoring element, the receiving part having a first end, a second end, a rod receiving portion defining a recess at the first end for receiving the rod and having a downwardly facing engagement surface configured to engage an upwardly facing surface of a separate fixation element for locking the rod in the recess, and a compressible head receiving portion at the second end for accommodating the head of the bone anchoring element, a clamping ring positionable around the head receiving portion, and the fixation element, the method comprising: anchoring the shank of the bone anchoring element to the bone or vertebra; adjusting an angular position of the receiving part relative to the bone anchoring element when the head is in the head receiving portion and the clamping ring is around the head receiving portion; moving the clamping ring towards the first end of the receiving part to a locking position where the clamping ring exerts a force on the head receiving portion to compress the head receiving portion and lock the angular position of the receiving part relative to the bone anchoring element, wherein the angular position of the receiving part relative to the bone anchoring element is lockable while the recess for the rod remains sufficiently unobstructed for the rod to extend and move therethrough, and wherein the force exerted by the clamping ring on the head receiving portion is the greatest when the clamping ring is at an uppermost axial position closest to the first end of the receiving part; adjusting the rod in the recess; and advancing the fixation element via the downwardly facing engagement surface to fix the rod in the recess.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein when the angular position of the receiving part relative to the bone anchoring element is locked and when the rod is not in the recess or is in but remains movable in the recess, the method further comprises: moving the clamping ring away from the first end of the receiving part; readjusting the angular position of the receiving part relative to the bone anchoring element; and moving the clamping ring back towards the first end of the receiving part to the locking position to lock the receiving part at the readjusted angular position relative to the bone anchoring element. 